Kit Harington Returning to ‘Game of Thrones’

For those that may have watched the jaw-dropping and emotional season 5 finale of Game of Thrones, many may be pleasantly surprised for season 6. The iconic hero Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, may not be completely signing off from the series just yet. Although the character was unceremoniously murdered during the last few minutes of the season finale, reports have surfaced that Harington has arrived in Belfast for the Game of Thrones‘ table read.

This news comes fresh off the rumors that Harington’s fan-favorite character Jon Snow is not really dead. Since his death on the hit HBO series, several viewers have wondered if the character is gone or was it just a cliff-hanger moment to pluck at fans’ heartstrings. A powerful and gut-wrenching moment to see Jon Snow be stabbed to death by his brothers in arms (the night’s watch) that led fans to speculate about several theories alluding to Snow’s return.

Majority of the theorists infer that Snow’s lineage could be the sign of his return. An Inception-like theory that Jon Snow is the illegitimate son of Ned Stark’s sister Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. This theory is fueled by the fact that Lyanna was “kidnapped” by Rhaegar Targaryen for a period of time, which sparked Robert Baratheon’s rebellion. Though there have been no confirmations that Harington’s character is in fact Lyanna’s son, in the books, his features are described very similar to Lyanna and she was explained to have died in bed but never detailed the cause of death. Ned Stark was the only one to find her before she passed and her last words to her brother were “promise me, Ned.”

Considering that Jon Snow might be a Targaryen, this would make him a rightful ruler of the throne and the seven kingdoms. In the books, there are three other Targaryens alive after Robert Baratheon’s rebellion. One being Viserys Targaryen, whom is later killed off, but shows no traits of a Targaryen other than the white hair. Daenarys Targaryen, who revives three different dragons at the end of the first season and book. Another living relative is Aegon Targaryen (yet to be introduced in the Game of Thrones series). There are three dragon eggs revived from petrification–Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. It is clear in the books and series that Drogon (black dragon) is Daenarys’ and the leader of the three. The other two are still missing a rider/master. Aegon could possibly be the rider of one and that just leaves the other for an unknown Targaryen. A far reach, but only a speculation.

Another conclusion that fans of the series have reached is Harington’s character’s revival via Melisandre’s magic. Melisandre spared herself from Stannis Baratheon’s failed invasion of Winterfell and returned to Castle Black. In previous episodes, she already tried to seduce Jon Snow and alluded to his lineage of being a Targaryen by claiming that there was power in his blood (king’s blood). Melisandre is also a red priest and sorceress. Similar to the Thoros of Myr, Melisandre could possess the ability to revive the dead.

Considering that Melisandre is still at Castle Black, that would explain why Harington is back on set doing table readings. Though all these rumors are merely speculation. Several reports and photos have arrived that point to Harington being on set. HBO’s Game of Thrones’ creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have vehemently stated that Jon Snow is dead, Harington has yet to trim his hair (a part of his contract for the series) and is on set for the next season. Whether or not his scenes are just flashback clips is yet to be determined.

By Tyler Cole
Edited By Leigh Haugh

Sources:
Comicbook.com–Kit Harrington Reportedly Arrives in Belfast for Game Of Thrones Season 6
CNN–Jon Snow’s alive? Rumors Abound After Kit Harington Photographed in Belfast
International Business Time–‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 6 ‘Worst-Kept Secret’: Kit Harington Spotted on Flight to Belfast With Tom Wlaschiha